An Arborfield man will cycle the length of the country in aid of a charity which has supported his family.

Darren Tipton begins his trek on Friday from John O’Groats to Land’s End covering more than 900 miles in less than two weeks for the MS (Multiple Sclerosis) Society.

The 34-year-old is taking on the challenge after his step-father, Bill Sutton, was diagnosed with rapid progressive MS which has seen him go from fit and healthy to needing almost full time care over a short period of time.

Mr Tipton said his step-father is in hospital due to a broken vertebra caused by a fall brought on by the condition and raising money for the charity was providing him with extra motivation for the ride.

He said: “The MS Society have been a great source of help and support for my parents and the rest of my family who are involved with caring for him.

“They have supported me and have been really fantastic.”

Mr Tipton said he has experienced a range of emotions ahead of the cycle.

He said: “It’s been a bit of a rollercoaster, really.

“At first I was excited and then quite nervous, but now I’m quietly apprehensive.

“The ride is far from a walk in the park as I am not a keen cyclist but I have already put in more training than I ever imagined and I now feel ready to take on the challenge.”

Mr Tipton added the ride had taken over a year to plan and prepare.

“I started practising by riding four or five times a week, and then did 70 to 80 miles at weekends.

“On the journey I’ll be averaging around 70 miles per day, so it’s going to be a big mental challenge too,” he added.

Mr Tipton, a product designer, will be riding solo and unsupported, carrying everything from tools, clothes, food and drink.

There will be no support vehicles or people to help should a problem arise.

He has set a target of £1,500 for the MS Society and he is currently approaching the £1,000 mark.